How to Draw a Hummingbird – Step by Step

In this drawing lesson, we’ll take a look at how to draw a hummingbird. The hummingbird we’ll draw is in flight and viewed from the side. Since we’re drawing the hummingbird from the side, we’ll only see one wing. This may look complex, but we’ll use basic shapes to piece the drawing together and we’ll take it one step at a time.

Let’s get started.

Step 1 – Draw Shapes for the Head, Neck, and Torso

First, we’ll draw an oval for the head. Once this shape is in place, we’ll draw a curved line downward for the neck, extending out from the head. Then, we’ll draw another shape underneath for the torso or main part of the bottom.

Step 2 – Draw the Tail, Beak, and a Shape for the Eye

Let’s next finish off the main shape for the body by adding the tail and the beak. We’ll also draw a circle for the eye.

Step 3 – Draw the Wing

Next, we’ll draw a line for the wing. The wing on a hummingbird is very long compared to the length of the body. In this case, the wing is just about as long as the body from the head to the tail. You’ll also notice that the wing extends above the head slightly. Also notice where the wing extends out from the body. It’s quite low, near the middle of the torso.

Step 4 – Add the Talons and Additional Details

We’ll next draw a couple of talons under the body. We’ll also add a line where the top beak meets the bottom beak. A slightly curved line is added on the tail feather as well. This line marks where we see a darker shadow next to the lighter, longer feathers.

Step 5 – Add Details to the Wing of the Hummingbird

Now that we have the overall shape of the wing in place, we can add the details of the wing. The wing is made up of smaller feathers, most of which extend outward from the top. We’ll patiently draw each shape of the smaller feathers. Notice how the edge of each feather changes the shape of the lower outer contour.

Step 6 – Add a Pattern around the Eye and Draw a Few More Segments on the Tail Feathers

Next, we’ll draw a small organic pattern that extends down the body, but wraps around the eye. We’ll add a few more segments to the tail feathers and a bit of shadow under the wing with hatching.

Step 7 – Finish the Drawing of a Hummingbird with Texture

Now we’re ready to finish the drawing. You may decide to go over your pencil sketch with ink to make the contrast stronger. If you decide to go this route, be sure to allow the ink to dry completely before using an eraser to remove any remaining pencil marks.

With the ink, we’ll add a bit of texture and shading on the underside of the body. Hatching and cross hatching is used here to create the illusion of textural feathers while developing the form. We’ll also use hatching to darken the talons and the shadow under the tail feathers.

Don’t forget the eye. We’ll use a bit of ink to darken the bulk of the eye but leave a small space open for a highlight.

Now our drawing of a hummingbird is complete.